Gay Dating App ‘Grindr’ Now Reminds Users to Get HIV Tests

Popular gay dating app Grindr has introduced a new feature that will remind users to get tested for HIV every three to six months.

According to a press release, “Grindr users will be able to opt-in to easily and discreetly receive automatic reminders to get tested for HIV every three to six months.”

“The new testing reminder feature was developed with guidance from Building Healthy Online Communities, a consortium of public health leaders and gay dating website and app owners who are working together to support HIV and STI prevention online,” they explained, adding, “The feature also follows the CDC recommended guidelines for testing frequency among some sexually active gay and bisexual men and trans people.”

In a statement, Building Healthy Online Communities Director Dan Wohlfeiler declared, “Grindr’s making it as easy to get tested as to find a date… Getting tested regularly for STDs, including HIV is one of the most important things a guy can do for his own health, and his partner’s,” while Jack Harrison-Quintana, the director of Grindr for Equality, expressed, “Grindr has always been committed to its users and the issues affecting the LGBTQ community at large.”

“One of Grindr for Equality’s goals is to contribute to the movement to increase information, reduce HIV transmission, and support our whole community – regardless of HIV status – in living long and fulfilling lives, free of stigma,” he added. “We felt this update would be a great way to make an immediate impact within the community on a broad scale and encourage more regular HIV testing.”

Reminders to get tested read, “It’s about that time… According to your profile you were last tested 3 months ago,” and give users the option to, “Find a location,” or “Update profile.”

Users on Grindr can already list their HIV status.

Last year, an HIV positive man was accused of attempting to infect his Grindr dates with sabotaged condoms — a crime which was recently demoted from a felony to a misdemeanor in California.